I'd be a bit hesitant to suggest just a single prime lens for her. She's probably used to having a bit of zoom capability from her P&S. You did say that she already has used the 35mm, though, so I might be wrong about that. The cost of the D5000, kit lens and 35mm should be about the same as the D90 and a kit lens. I'd suggest the D5000, with either just the kit, or the kit and the 35mm, unless you think she will get serious about photography, in which case she will probably quickly outgrow the D5000.

EDIT: Jeez 3 new posts in the time it took me to type this. If she says she'll be happy with just the prime, I'm sure that's fine.

Based on what everyone has had to say here I think that I will recommend the D5000 to her and the DX 35mm lens. I will surprise her with the DX 18-105mm lens and recommend the SB400 flash to her. Those are not expensive and maybe her boyfriend will surprise her for "V" day next week. If so then she will be set.

Thanks to all for your suggestions. It is always good to hear other opinions from others.

I started with a D70S (for digital I mean), which I still use as my only DSLR. I started using it fully manually with ai lenses the first summer I had it (2006). A knowledge of exposure and focus technique is far more important than features in a camera. I'm still of the belief that anyone seriously learning photography should start with a Nikkormat and a prime.

Send me to the gallows for that comment if you like, but it's the truth :)

I don't know about you guys, but I just spent my saturday night in the darkroom making six 8x10" halftone positive transparencies from a 35mm negative for a special project where I'm contact printing a series of the same image as a negative on 22x30" Arches rag paper with liquid light.

Um, yeah, I..uh use the darkroom for other activities besides film processing on Saturday nights. Wait, come to think of it I don't think I've actually ever used a darkroom JUST for film processing on any night, LOL! 8^D

dShe'll love the D5000. In a recent test of 90 digital cameras by DXO for color, dynamic range, high ISO and an overall score, the D90 and D5000 finished 15th & 16th respectively. The only difference was that the D90 was slightly better at high ISO settings, otherwise it was a tie. Only the higher end Nikons such as the D3,D3X and the D700 finished higher and they all cost thousands more. The D90 & D5000 finished well ahead of the D300 & D300S. Now granted, this was not a ranking based on bells and whistles etc., but it was an indication that both those cameras will give you excellent results.

As someone who thinks the D90 is the best camera on the market in terms of control vs price... go with the D5000. The D90 is what you would get if you stuffed the D300s and D700 into the body of a D80/D5000, or essentially packed a D5000 with pro features your daughter will not use. You are recommending the right camera ;)

kyoushinikon - for serious amateurs/semi pro d90 is the best camera on the market in terms of control vs price, for amateurs d5000 has better value; I thought once to sell my d90 and get a d5000, but it lacks one feature I use mostly - the top lcd

adamz said:
kyoushinikon - for serious amateurs/semi pro d90 is the best camera on the market in terms of control vs price, for amateurs d5000 has better value; I thought once to sell my d90 and get a d5000, but it lacks one feature I use mostly - the top lcd

Adamz- I wasn't saying the D90 wasn't the best value for the features because it is when compared against almost every camera on the market (Nikon D3000, D5000, D80, D300, D300s, D40, D70 etc, Canon all Rebels, 30D, 40D, 50D, Olympus E620, E420, E3, Sony A350, A550, A700 etc...) It just doesn't sound like she will be using any pro features for a while and as such should save the extra $400 for a rainy day... the D5000 is cheaper but the D90 is a better value

Last night my daughters came over and we ordered her D5000, AF-S DX 50mm lens and a SB400 flash. Last night the D5000 body was $530.00 and today it is $550.00. I have been watching the price of this camera go up and down for the past several weeks since I knew my daughter was interested in one.

We have the DOW, NASDAQ, S&P 500 and B&H!

She is very happy we bought last night and again thanks to everyone. My daughter also says thanks.